章 24: Testing Waters.

Leone stepped out of the room and leaned his back against the door, letting out a heavy sigh. He ran a hand over his face, his fingers pressing into his temples as if trying to massage away the weight of the moment. The nagging feeling that had settled in his chest the previous night refused to dissipate, growing more insistent with each passing second.

Why did I let her sleep in my room? On my bed? The thought gnawed at him, sharp and relentless. His jaw tightened as he pushed off the door, only to slump back against it. I should have called her maid. Should have sent her back. This... was a mistake. Yet, he couldn't deny it—last night was the first time in a year he had slept soundly.